Hail a Taxi Talk Continues, No Update from DOT

Mike Dumlao

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Downtown's favorite "Hail a Taxi" concept was in front of the city's Board of Taxicab Commissioners this morning, but there wasn't much in the way of useful progress. DOT emphasized that it is legal for taxis to stop in any loading or meter spot, but that state law governing double parking cannot be trumped locally.

Representatives from Metro, CD9, and CRA all spoke in support of the idea of making taxis more accessible and convenient. The term "organic" was a favorite of the day.

Public comment is continuing, but the item itself is an Information Item only and doesn't have any other action attached than just continued study.

One tidbit -- the Times Sharon Burnstein is supposed to be doing a story on the subject and recently took a taxi ride-along in support of that.

Outside of Downtown, Westwood cabbies are upset about the Flyaway bus, and are getting calls to take fares to the Flyaway instead of to the airport.

NYC Taxi shot by flickr user mdumlao98.